Wonder performs a duet on 'I Feel for You' with Chaka Khan at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, while Jessie J replaces Xtina in the lineup as the latter fights a 'vocal illness.'
- Oct 14, 2016
AceShowbiz - John Mayer and Christina Aguilera dropped out of a tribute concert to Prince, but it was still an amazing night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan were among the biggest stars performing at the event on Thursday, October 13.
President Obama kicked off the party with a video message. "Thank you, Prince, for all the great works you have done. You will be in our hearts forever," said Obama, who is a fan of the late singer. Former White House adviser Van Jones, meanwhile, spoke about Prince's anonymous charitable donations. "I don't think Prince wanted to save the world. I think what Prince wanted to do is make sure that people's gifts... had a chance to sing," he said.
Wonder, wearing a suit and purple shirt, joined Chaka Khan for a duet on Prince's "I Feel for You". The two later performed Prince's hit "1999".
Morris Day, Prince's childhood friend in Minneapolis, joined his band The Time to perform tracks from the group's album "What Time Is It?", which was recorded at Prince's studio. Prince's backing band 3rdeyegirl, Tori Kelly, Nicole Scherzinger, Anita Baker and Doug E. Fresh also performed at the concert.
Prince's sister Tyka Nelson appeared on stage to deliver a speech. "I want them to get some closure," she said of Prince's fans. "It takes time to kind of get over it, and I see that they are grief-stricken." She said there "definitely" would be future concerts.
Meanwhile, John Mayer and Christina Aguilera who were supposed to be headliners at the concert canceled their appearances. Concert promoter Randy Levy said on Tuesday of why Mayer couldn't take part in the event, "Change of schedule for him."
As for Aguilera, she "has been advised by her doctors not to perform due to a vocal illness she has been trying to shake all week," her representative explained on Thursday. She was replaced by Jessie J at the concert.
